Rangers to activate Darvish for Saturday start

ARLINGTON -- Yu Darvish is returning to the Rangers' starting rotation and will pitch on Saturday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The Rangers made the decision after Darvish, who had been on the disabled list since June 13 with discomfort in his right shoulder, threw a bullpen session on Wednesday at Globe Life Park without any issues.

ARLINGTON -- Yu Darvish is returning to the Rangers' starting rotation and will pitch on Saturday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The Rangers made the decision after Darvish, who had been on the disabled list since June 13 with discomfort in his right shoulder, threw a bullpen session on Wednesday at Globe Life Park without any issues.

This will be Darvish's first start since June 8 against the Astros. The right-hander made three starts for the Rangers after missing 14 months while recovering from Tommy John surgery before returning to the DL.

He has made two starts on his rehab assignment, with the last one coming on Monday in Frisco. Darvish allowed three runs on five innings, throwing 72 pitches and classifying it as a "good overall outing."

Darvish's return comes at a time when the Rangers are trying to piece together a rotation decimated by injuries. Martin Perez will start on Friday against the Cubs in the first game after the break and Cole Hamels, who pitched a scoreless third inning during the All-Star Game, is scheduled to go Sunday.

A.J. Griffin is the Rangers No. 4 starter and will likely start Monday against the Angels. Kyle Lohse is the fifth starter and allowed six runs in five innings in his 2016 debut on Saturday against the Twins. He is also dealing with a mild strain in his right oblique muscle, making his status for Tuesday's game against the Angels uncertain.

Derek Holland, on the disabled list with inflammation in his left shoulder, is playing catch but has yet to throw off a mound, although he said the process is going "very, very well." Colby Lewis is shut down through mid-August because of a strained muscle in the back of his right shoulder.

The Rangers have had discussions with multiple clubs about trading for pitching, both starters and relievers. Starting pitching appears to have grown in importance because of the injuries.

The Rangers would consider an impact starter if made available or a young pitcher who can help them beyond this season. Atlanta's Julio Teheran would be high on their list. But they have been burned badly by midseason trades for rental pitchers like Ryan Dempster in 2012 or Matt Garza in 2013, who did little to impact their postseason fortunes.